Plug in and tune in…
The team of Hailey Niswanger/sax-fl-voc, Nikara warren/vib, Axel Laugart/key, Andrew Renfroe/g, Aaron Liao/b and David Frazier Jr/dr create sounds from outer space and fusion forms on this collection of eight originals. Synthy dreams of flutes floate with vibes on “Awaken” and the ethereal “Change” with dramatic alto sax work on the rocking “Ritual.” Funky grooves like early Weather Report bounce along on “Bond” and “Ascension” and some wildly fascinating intricate mix of drums and vibes sizzle on “Acceptance” while Frazier wails on “Free.” Some ethereal vocals on “Cycle” give a Metheny-esqe mood that is optimistic, with the holistic feel being that of a return to the halcyon days of rock and jazz plugging in.
Alto saxist Nikola Bankov brings together his team of Jonas Gravlund/g, August Korsgaard/synth, Jens Mikkel Madsen/b, John Riddell/dr and guest Seamus Blake/ts for a mix of fusion and moods. With Blake on tenor, the team gets into a funky synth fest on “Hope You’ll Get It” and upbeat on the muscular “Song For My Country” while they rock hard on the hectic and driving title track. Lots of spacey keys are pressed on “Vibin’ In Denmark” and a mix of alto sax and echoes sound like moment on an Enya disc on “December 16” and “Mind Bubble.” Plugged in atmospheres.